Acrobatics in China originated in antiquity and by the Qin–Han era had developed a full repertoire of moves, including rope walking and sword swallowing. This large figure was found with ten others in a pit near the First Emperor’s tomb. The group is believed to have represented an acrobatics troupe performing at the imperial court.

The figure has an imposing physique and brawny hands, which together with his wide stance suggest his role as a strongman. He and a partner once held a pole, atop which another performer could swing, balance, and twist. The striking accuracy of his anatomy, hitherto unknown in Chinese figural art, has led to speculation that he was inspired by the Hellenistic sculptures that Alexander the Great introduced into Central Asia a century earlier.